In Kogi State, a local vigilante group successfully stopped an attempted raid on Kiri High School on Monday, preventing armed men from abducting students.
The attack occurred in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba Bunu Local Government Area, amid a wave of school kidnappings in northern Nigeria.
In the last week alone, armed groups seized 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and over 300 pupils from St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, all of whom have since been released.
Officials from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) revealed that the father of three children abducted in Niger State died of a heart attack shortly after the incident. The national body has called on the government to act urgently, stressing that the rising attacks demand immediate and decisive measures.
In Abuja, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike promised sanctions against officials who issued unauthorised notices directing schools to close due to security fears.
Security issues have also sparked heated debates in Nigeria’s parliament, with senators warning that the country is “under attack” and faces a potential loss of public trust. Members of the House of Representatives criticised the government for negotiating with bandits to secure the release of students kidnapped in Kebbi State.
In Kogi, local vigilantes quickly mobilised when the armed men arrived at the school. Residents reported that all students who were briefly taken were recovered, with no children still missing.
Two people died during the rescue operation,bone vigilante team member and a local resident.
The Kabba Bunu LGA chairman, Zaccheus Dare Michael, confirmed the incident, stating that the attackers were repelled and that security forces have since increased operations in the area.
